2011 IDP Undervalued Sleepers – Defensive Linemen

Defensive lineman are truly the hardest position in IDP fantasy to find reliable weekly options, and it is recommended that you look to this position as the a spot to lock up at least two starters as possibly your first IDP players off the board on your team. That said, even last year a stud like Charles Johnson was sitting round on waiver wires, and respectable breakout lineman like Ahtyba Rubin, James Hall and Chris Clemons were hanging around for nothing.

Below you will find those defensive linemen I believe are worthy of taking a strong look at, and options to select towards the end of your draft. Keep an eye on these names as we head through the preseason to make sure they land starting jobs, if so, they should be worth adding on your squad this summer.

Derrick Morgan - I haven’t heard much about Derrick Morgan’s play in camp, but it would appear he’s bounced back alright from an ACL tear in his rookie season. With Jason Babin gone, the Titans need their former first-round pick to make an impact in the pass rush, and I believe Morgan can make an impact. Look for Morgan as a depth option start the year, as he needs to prove he can rebound from his injury, but this defensive end has the potential to be a No.2 defensive lineman as the season moves along.

Albert Haynesworth -No one would blame you for staying away from Albert Haynesworth as his defensive lineman has a cancerous personality when he doesn’t get his way. Still, Haynesworth is in an ideal situation with the Patriots, and there have been rumors that Coach Belichick will use more of a 4-3 scheme this season, with Haynesworth on the team.

That would make sense as Haynesworth thrives in that scheme, but I have a feeling, he will be a beast no matter what the Patriots chose to do. Defensive tackle eligible, give Haynesworth a look at the end of your draft, as he has the upside to be a top five option, if you’re required to start a defensive tackle position in your league.

Jason Pierre-Paul - Before the lockout ended Jason Pierre-Paul had a reasonable chance to land as a starter with the Giants as Mathias Kiwanuka was no sure beat to re-sign with the team, and Osi Umenyiora was looking to be traded. In the end, both came back to the team, and Osi will now start ahead of JPP on the front line.

Still, JPP has received valuable reps with the first team in the early part of camp, because Osi was gone, and I do believe he can be a force if he gets a chance to start at some point. Maybe JPP falls off your board as a late round stash, but you need to pay attention to this situation.

Lamarr Houston -The Raiders have a solid defensive front line, and I just love the way Lamarr Houston plays the game of football. This guy just wants to do good things and doesn’t mind throwing his body around (and others around) to get the job done. Look for Houston to continue to build in his rookie season as he becomes a respectable option to consider as a No.3 defensive lineman and could work his way to being one of the top 25 defensive linemen by seasons end.

J.J. Watt – I know J.J. Watt is in a 3-4 scheme and that traditionally isn’t a good thing for defensive linemen but this guy just has a can do motor. Watching his demeanor against the Jets in the first week of the season, you can just tell this kid is going to be a great player for the Texans. Watt in some ways reminds me of Kyle Vanden Bosch if only because he has just won’t quite on a play and will win against offensive lineman because he “wants it” more than they do.

I’m not saying you should select Watt on draft day, but keep an eye on what’s going on in Houston this season, because he might make for an early appearance on IDP waiver wires.